06-04-2022
All 43 diesel and petrol vehicles at the unit, located on Factory Way, have been replaced by electric vans. 11 double electric charging posts (allowing for 22 vans to be charged at the same time) have also been installed on the site as part of the transformation, and the electricity for powering the office and for charging the vehicles is purchased via a 100% renewable tariff.
The move will help the Newport West Delivery Office’s 114 postmen and postwomen deliver letters and parcels safely and efficiently, while producing fewer emissions, and is part of a wider plan to roll-out 3,000 electric vans to delivery offices across the UK, making Royal Mail the largest electric fleet of any UK parcel operator.
The expansion of alternative fuel vehicles demonstrates the company’s commitment to reducing emissions associated with its operations, and to delivering a cleaner future. Royal Mail already has the lowest reported CO2e emissions per parcel amongst major UK delivery companies, and boasts a unique, "Feet on the Street", network of over 85,000 postmen and women, with three quarters of parcel deliveries are made purely by foot or through a park and loop method, combining low mileage van movements and on-foot delivery, keeping emissions low.
Following a visit see the new fleet in action, First Minister of Wales, The Rt. Hon. Mark Drakeford, said: “The switch to electric vehicles at the Newport West Delivery Office will help us to work towards our ambition for a Net Zero Wales by 2050. Royal Mail is making changes that will lead to better air quality in urban areas as well as reduced greenhouse gases.”
Richard Bell, Newport West Delivery Office Manager, said: “It’s been great to have the opportunity to be leading the way in the rollout of Royal Mail’s new electric fleet. The new vans will be become a familiar site on the streets of Newport and our posties are really excited about doing their bit to reduce air and noise pollution in the town. As a company, we pride ourselves with having the lowest reported CO2e emissions per parcel amongst major UK delivery companies and showcasing the way to achieving a more sustainable future for our fleet & our planet.”
In total, approximately 45 delivery offices across the UK are being upgraded to accommodate the next 3,000 electric vehicles currently being rolled out across the Royal Mail network. The roll-out includes many cities where low emission zones in force.
With lower maintenance requirements, the electric fleet promises more on-road time and higher levels of reliability. They can travel up to 130 miles in-between charges, depending on vehicle type, weather and load-size.
The fully electric vans have up to 38% larger load space than the vehicles they have replaced, giving them additional capacity to deal with growing parcel volumes. With lower maintenance requirements, the electric fleet promises more on-road time and higher levels of reliability.
Source: Royal Mail